Scottish Youth Parliament elections are edging closer

Young people are being urged to put themselves forward for next year’s Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections.

Pupils at Renfrew High School helped launch the call to action aimed at all young people aged between 14 and 25 years-old.

Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) serve a twoyear term and attend three sittings each year to give young people a voice on a national level.

Five candidates will be elected to represent Renfrewshire’s young people – two for Renfrewshire North West, two for Paisley and one for Renfrewshire South.

Renfrew High pupil Skye Docherty said: “Standing to be elected in the Scottish Youth Parliament gives young people an opportunity to make our voices heard and be a voice for other young people.”

Young people have until Friday, November 16, to register their interest in becoming a candidate for the SYP election.

Registration takes place online at https:// elections. syp. org. uk/ elections/2/.

Renfrewshire Council chief executive Sandra Black is the returning officer for the SYP elections in Renfrewshire.

Sandra said: “Being a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament is a fantastic opportunity to work with elected representatives and public, private and voluntary organisations both locally and nationally to make positive changes for young people living, working or studying in Renfrewshire.”

Year of Young People Champion, Councillor Michelle Campbell, added: “It’s really important that young people have their voices heard and their views are considered as part of local and national decision making.

“I’d encourage young people to register their interest in becoming a candidate as soon as they can.”

Young people who register their interest are invited to attend a candidate briefing on Wednesday, November 28, in the council chambers at Renfrewshire House.

For more information, email youth@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 889 1110.